Positive feedback from medical specialists on MBBS students

Prof Cheong (front row, fourth from left) with all the guests

In the honour of UTAR Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences’ (FMHS) 10th anniversary, faculty members and guest lecturers consisting of doctors and medical specialists from Hospital Ampang, Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Hospital Rehabilitation Cheras, gathered for a celebratory session to highlight the work and past achievements of the Faculty. Held on 15 February 2020, the session took place at Ampang Clinical Training Centre (CTC).

Prof Cheong thanking all the guests for their presence

Invited to deliver a welcome address at the event was FMHS Dean Emeritus Prof Dr Cheong Soon Keng. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude to all the guests for their support. He said, “We need students to be exposed to a wide range of expertise and experience, therefore we created a lot of guest lecturer posts. Some universities call it adjunct positions.” He added, “We are very fortunate to have many people to support us throughout these years. I hope we can continue to grow and improve.” Furthermore, he also talked about the background of CTC and shared the progress of UTAR Hospital. A token of appreciation was then given by Prof Cheong and his spouse, who is also the former deputy dean of FMHS, Emeritus Prof Dr Boo Nem Yun to all the guests.

Prof Ng presenting an overview of MBBS Programme

The session also included a presentation which was given by FMHS Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Deputy Dean Prof Dr Ng Teck Han. During his presentation, Prof Ng gave an overview of the MBBS Programme. He said, “UTAR follows a systematic and integrated approach and aims to equip our graduates with not only good clinical skills but also effective communication skills to function as competent and caring doctors. Ethical values, professionalism and moral responsibility to both patients and the community will also be instilled in UTAR graduates.” He also emphasised the importance of soft skills and explained that it is essential to prepare UTAR students for the workplace.

A Q&A and feedback session was conducted after the presentation, allowing the guest lecturers and UTAR teaching staff to provide their opinions and suggestions on how they can improve the programme and students’ learning experience. One of the guest lecturers Dr Irina Ishak, a general surgeon from Hospital Kuala Lumpur, commented that UTAR students are disciplined and punctual. She endorsed Prof Ng’s statement about the importance of soft skills, saying that it is not only the knowledge that the students have to keep up but the ethical view, communication as well as respecting patients and superiors are also important for them. Furthermore, Dr Siew Sheue Feng, a Forensic Medicine Specialist from Hospital Kuala Lumpur, also commented that UTAR students are competitive, hardworking, and they possess strong adaptability skills.

Meanwhile, Prof Boo explained the initiatives taken to deal with students who are not punctual. She mentioned that the warning letter system is applied in the University for students who are routinely late for class. “The warning letter is not a punishment for students, but to notify them to behave well,” she said, adding that it is a necessity in today's competitive world. She also expressed her appreciation for the valuable feedback given to improve students’ behaviour.

Established in 2009, FMHS aims to produce competent, professional, compassionate and ethical graduates who are committed to clinical practice, research, lifelong learning and improvement, as well as the welfare of the community and the environment. Ampang CTC is a platform for students to practise their clinical skill to reach their true potential in becoming ethical, competent and caring professionals.

10th anniversary cake-cutting session

Prof Ng (left) presenting a token of appreciation to (left photo) Prof Cheong and Prof Boo

Scrumptious lunch buffet for guests after the session



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